Places Around Chengdu Perfect for Both Hiking and Flower Viewing

👍Highlights: ❶Challenge Sichuan's "Little Mount Huashan" with thrilling cliff-side plank walks that will get your heart racing ❷Climb high for panoramic views and enjoy the romantic spring atmosphere amid mountain magnolia flower fields ❸Experience Qiang ethnic minority's intangible cultural heritage and traditional charm 🥾Selected Hiking Routes: ⛰️Mountain Climbing Route: Start from the Visitor Center, pass through Xi Qiang Square to Guanyin Cliff, along the cliff-side plank road, finally reaching the First Watchtower of Xi Qiang Total distance: 5.23 km, elevation gain: 1,000m, estimated hiking time: 6-7 hours 🌸Flower Viewing Route: Start from the Visitor Center, pass through Huaxi Scenic West Gate, Tianhe Waterfall, Banakasi Viewing Platform to Yuanbao Mountain, and end at Wang Family Mansion Total distance: 3.3 km, minimal elevation gain, suitable for beginners. Recommended to take a sightseeing car from Visitor Center to West Gate as fewer flowers along the way 📒Travel Tips: ❶Hiking Challenge: At least two days needed to complete both routes comfortably. Currently, completing either route earns a medal, completing both routes rewards you with a special Qiang doll surprise ❷Magnolia Season: As of March 23, 30% of magnolias in Huaxi Scenic Area are blooming. This week is the peak viewing period, followed by blooms at Yuanbao Mountain and the back of Jiuhuang Mountain, lasting until Qingming Festival ❸Hiking Gear: Recommended to wear quick-dry clothes, windbreakers, anti-slip hiking shoes, and bring trekking poles, sun hats, and water supplies ❹One-Day Trip Plan: For a day trip, visit Huaxi Scenic Area flowers in the morning for best sunlight (after 3 PM becomes shady). Then head to Jiuhuang Mountain for an easy hike - take the cable car to Xi Qiang Square first, then hike to Guanyin Cliff ❺Cultural Performances: Daily Qiang ethnic performances, with additional Qiang music and embroidery shows at Huaxi Scenic Area, and bonfire parties at Xi Qiang Square in the evening ❻Photo Spots: Guanyin Cliff and cliff-side plank walks are prime photo locations, Yuanwang Cave entrance good for silhouettes. For flower viewing route, Tianhe Waterfall and Banakasi Viewing Platform have dense flower clusters, perfect for aerial photography ❼Tip: Drive from Jiuhuang Mountain Visitor Center to Huaxi Scenic Visitor Center to avoid steep slopes 📍How to Get There: 🚗Driving: Navigate to "Jiuhuang Mountain Scenic Area Visitor Center" 🚇Public Transport: From Chengdu, take high-speed rail to Jiangyou, then share a ride or take a shuttle bus to Jiuhuang Mountain (CNY 7). For return, wait for shuttle bus or shared ride at the Visitor Center back to Jiangyou